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Categories
Dance Schools & Classes
Services & Specialties
Partner dance for all levels
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RECOMMENDATION
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WORK QUALITY
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COST EVALUATION
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VALUE ANALYSIS
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ADD YOUR REVIEW
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FR Review:
With an emphasis on fundamentals and the importance of learning from multiple instructors, Fred Astaire studios aim to share the glamorous steps of Hollywood with timid beginners everywhere. Mr. Astaire himself founded the company in 1947 with the opening of the first studio on Park Avenue. The school now has over a dozen franchises sprinkled throughout the country. Private, semi-private, and group lessons are available at 45 minutes each, with the suggestion that beginners master the basics in a private setting before venturing out into the collision-prone chaos of group classes. Styles offered include: Bolero, Cha-cha, East and West Coast Swing, Foxtrot, Hustle, Lindy Hop, Mambo, Merengue, Polka, Rumba, Salsa, Samba, Tango, Two-Step, Viennese Waltz, and Waltz. Wedding dance preparation is also an option. For those unsure of which style to tackle first, the $75 introductory special offers a sample of each genre during two 30 minute private lessons and an invitation to the studio's regular practice parties, in which amateur dancers and Fred Astaire instructors get together to dance informally.
Instructors are versed in all areas of social dance and are required to have not only a dance background, but must also undergo months of Fred Astaire training to ensure versatility and teaching ability. The franchise follows a trophy system that monitors each student's improvement and rewards diplomas and eventually plaques for level advancement (kind of like the karate colored belt system of the Fred Astaire world). For those who like to keep score, there is an optional achievement chart in the front of the studio for all to observe your advancement. (Remember, social dance is often a competitive art). Instructors stress the importance of a fifty fifty partnership and believe that working together in the studio equips us to interact better in our daily lives. Rates are steep at $105 for a single lesson, $475 for 5 lessons, and $945 for 10 lessons. However, the instructors' level of expertise is high. It should be noted that all lessons take place in the same studio. Therefore, even though you do not share your instructor, you're likely to share the space and the stereo with another party (or two) during your lesson. Some students may find this a tad disorienting. It may be difficult to grasp new steps or find the beat if distracted by other dancers and a constantly changing track. While the Fred Astaire staff assert that this is a tried and true method that does not hinder the learning process, some may be hesitant to attempt to polish their moves in a slightly chaotic environment.
Representative Client Comments:
"It is a good studio because the instructors are really patient and work really hard to help you learn."
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